Backstage Pass is a creative careers event for S4–S5 students, designed to showcase the breadth of opportunities in the performing arts. It gives young people a rare chance to speak directly with arts organisations about the programmes and opportunities they offer.

The event grew from the Youth Assembly 2023–24, whose members planned and hosted a version of Backstage Pass at the RSNO Centre in November 2024. Backstage Pass is entirely youth-led, both in its planning and delivery, involving all five of Scotland’s National Performing Companies, and tailored specifically to S4–S5 pupils.

Young professionals also play a central role, sharing their journeys and insights to highlight the many different pathways into the performing arts. Looking ahead, between September 2025 and March 2026, the SCO and RSNO will run focus groups with secondary school pupils across Scotland. These conversations will shape the content of the next Backstage Pass and help us better understand students’ interests and needs with the aim of conquering the barriers they face in pursuing a career in the arts.